Southern Saratoga Personal Trainers

Thor joined the Bethlehem Y in November of 2019 as their Wellness Director and moved to SSY in 2020. He's been a trainer since 2013, working as a personal trainer at SUNY Cortland and interning as a Strength & Conditioning Coach at Princeton University. From there, he went on to work as the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at the G-box gym and an Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach at Union College. Thor holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Fitness Development from SUNY Cortland and is currently in pursuit of his Master’s degree at SUNY Plattsburgh.

Certifications:

• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with NSCA
• Certified Speed and Agility Coach with NSPA
• Certified in CPR, AED and First Aid

Marissa joined the Y in 2013 after earning her Bachelor’s Degree in exercise science. She worked as a personal trainer and lifeguard while earning another Bachelor’s Degree, in nutrition. During that time, she resumed taking karate classes, achieving a brown belt, and started running 5Ks. Just recently, she obtained a new certification as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

Certifications:

• Certified NSCA Strength and Conditioning Specialist
• Certified NCSF Personal Trainer
• Certified TRX Suspension Trainer
• NYS Registered Dietician Nutritionist
• Certified in CPR & AED Pro, and first aid

Jazmin started working for the YMCA in 2017, starting in Childcare. She holds a B.S in Human Physiological Sciences from Skidmore. She has been an athlete most of her life playing softball and later on, Track and Field. It was during Track that she found her true passion for fitness in powerlifting and working out.

Certifications:

• Certified NASM Personal Trainer
• Certified in CPR, AED, and first aid

Michelle joined the Southern Saratoga YMCA team in October 2019 serving as a Membership Services Representative and has always been active as an avid runner with the CDYMCA Pacers Running group. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a Minor in Psychology from SUNY Albany. Michelle’s passion and focus is on bodybuilding and strength training. She is a member of the Organization of Competitive Bodies and has competed in several events where judging is based on a natural physique, confidence, and stage presence.

Certifications:

• Certified Personal Trainer with the American Council on Exercise
• Certified CPR, AED and First Aid

James comes from an extensive martial arts background starting with tae kwon do and moving to boxing. His training philosophy is to be better than you were yesterday. Every day is a chance for improvement, and he will challenge you to become the best version of yourself. He wants any feel more capable and more confident to take on whatever challenges life throws your way.

Certifications:

• Certified ACE Personal Trainer
• Certified in the Movement Training Systems (MTS)
• Second Degree Black Belt in Tae-Kwon-Do
• Certified in CPR, AED, and First Aid

Brian has been a lifelong athlete, participating in basketball, track and field, and Tae Kwon Do. Brian has been a martial artist for 20 years now and has been nationally ranked in the top 15 and has now coached several national champions. His love of any athletics and physical activity brought him to the world of fitness as a coach and gives him his passion to teach others.

Certifications:

• Certified NASM Personal Trainer
• Licensed Pan American and European Tae Kwon Do Union Coach
• Licensed USA Tae Kwon Do National Coach
• Certified in CPR, AED, and First Aid